Record Tower in Chepauk Set to Undergo Restoration

The iconic Record Tower, a historic structure located in Chepauk, will undergo restoration to revive its former glory. The 34.40-meter tall tower, which has remained unoccupied and damaged since 2005, will be restored by the Building Centre and Conservation Division (BCCD), a branch of the Public Works Department. The restoration project, estimated at ₹3.09 crores, aims to conserve this heritage structure, known for its intricate ensemble of sandstone balconies using the “jaali” technique reminiscent of Gujarat’s classic architecture.

The tower, constructed in 1768 by architect Robert Chisholm, features a spiral steel staircase and offers panoramic views of the cityscape and the sea. The restoration work will include repairing damaged portions, stabilizing structural elements, and restoring the tower’s intricate features, including its onion-shaped dome and minarets. Once completed, the Record Tower will be open to the public, and it will also be accessible via a connecting corridor from the Humayun Mahal, which is undergoing restoration to house the Independence Day museum.